Hooked on a Feeling
Don't settle for a room full of things similar to the touch. Here's how to add texture to your home without overwhelming your guests
Image courtesy HGTV
Next time you redesign any room in your home, don't stop at the surface.
"In 2008 there is a growing trend for depth of color and gentle and bold patterns," says Sue Izzar, a communications executive for Brintons Fine Carpet. "The texture can add a natural warmth to a room, not only underfoot, but also to the eye."
If you're ready to go deeper, begin with the easiest place: the carpet. "Carpet is a great starting point for introducing texture into any home," Izzard says. "It creates an opportunity to reflect your personal taste, whether you want a soft, luxury velvet style or natural, wool textures."
Remember to think about lighting - spotlights and natural light through a window both enhance texture.
"I love to use light shining through things like unlined curtains - [it] creates a beautiful textural effect when you diffuse the light," says Liz Cann, design director of fabric and wallpaper company Zoffany.
Consider your fabrics, and don't be afraid to branch out. "In the last five or six years, yarns have become really important," Cann says. She also recommends checking out embroideries, and suggests using lighter colors like pale natural linens, creams and ivories because they reflect light much better than darks.
Use similar colors and add some accents. Cann recommends using lots of like-colored cushions and pillows and then mixing textures, such as mohair, silk and linen.
"It's important to add accents of color or patterns to stop the effect from becoming very bland," Cann says.
But don't overdo it. "If you [add] too many textures, you lose your feel of them," Cann says.
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